The CHAMPANGNE DAME

FROM A CAREER IN FINANCE TO JUMPING WHOLEHEARTEDLY INTO THE WORLD OF CHAMPAGNE, KYLA KIRKPATRICK’S PROFESSIONAL LIFE HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT LINEAR.

- ANASTASIA PRIKHODKO

From a young age, reading books was Kyla Kirkpatrick’s way to escape. She would always read widely – anything from an encyclopedia to the Bible would capture her attention.

After graduating with a Commerce and Arts Degree from Melbourne University, Kyla started her professional life in finance and banking, which included a role at the NASDAQ in London. But her story truly began in 2005 – the year Kyla found her passion, her religion, her calling.

“Most people find this hard to believe, but it wasn’t the idea of being able to legitimately drink Champagne for a living that first drew me to the industry,” she reflects. “It was the history and the incredible story of the region.”

Kyla explains that, for some time, she believed that religion might be her avenue. However, she started to realise that what essentially interested her about theology was its connection to something bigger. Its conduit to the past. “I now realise that Champagne does this also,” she says.

“Champagne is this magic liquid that transports you back in time, to something bigger. I love this. I never tire of telling the stories of the region. It’s become my life, not just my career.”

Fifteen years ago, Kyla came across an article on Napoleon Bonaparte and his friendship with a young Jean Remy Moët. A chance encounter inspired her to consume every book she could find on Champagne. She was especially drawn to one in particular: The Art and Business of Champagne by Dan Ginsburg. It combined two of Kyla’s primary interests: business and history.